NYRR Media Center

Sara Vaughn’s career spans two decades as she started as a middle-distance runner specializing in the 1,500 meters before transitioning to the roads.

After having to drop out of the 2024 Chicago Marathon due to illness Vaughn was a late addition to the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon field and ended as the top American finisher, finishing sixth. It was her highest finish at an Abbott World Marathon Majors since 2022 when she placed seventh at the Chicago Marathon.

Vaughn debuted over 26.2 miles in 2021 at the California International Marathon, claiming victory and a new course record. Earlier that summer she placed sixth at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic 1,500 meters, showing her impressive range.

She ran the race of her life in 2017 at the age of 31, placing a surprise third in the 1,500 meters at the USATF Championships, earning her a spot on Team USA for the 2017 World Championships. The year prior she raced at the U.S. Olympic Trials only 11 months after giving birth and ultimately finishing seventh. 

She previously secured bronze at the 2014 USATF Indoor Championships in the 3,000 meters and in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 USATF Indoor Championships. 

A mom of four, Vaughn resides in Boulder and works as a realtor. Her husband, Brent, was the 2011 USA national champion in cross country.